BWW Previews: RONNIE BRIXTON – THE BEST OF BRITISH BOXING at The Back Space In The Space LV

"Ronnie Brixton - The Best of British Boxing" is not about boxing. It is a profound one-person show using a testosterone-heavy backdrop to explore the very depths of human emotion. Catch the Las Vegas run at The Back Space in The Space LV May 2-13.

Top BBC boxing commentator Ronnie Brixton tries to live to up to the legend of his father, revered boxing trainer "King George." As he shares his journey, Brixton admits to the disappointment of his father when Brixton was beaten up in the ring as a child after training with him. But Brixton idolizes his pop and wants to be just like him. As he grows into a young man, it becomes apparent that Brixton will never become a boxer.

But he loves the sport and pursues the next best avenue as a commentator. While the performance includes brief film footage of top boxing matches, the dialog delves into raw human emotion festering under the surface. In fact, Brixton is "interrupted" by voices off stage and, so distracted, he requires prompting to continue his dialog.

Since the tabloids in the United Kingdom are relentless about any scandal, Brixton wants to address the rumors about his love life while on stage. He unequivocally states, "I am not gay," but a terrible secret darkens his soul.

The last act astounds as he finally expresses the truth, which almost took his life by suicide, as Brixton stands up as an authentic person.

David Shaughnessy stars as Ronnie Brixton with this role as his return the acting. He is known as the voice of Sir Didymus in the Jim Henson classic film "The Labyrinth." Later in his career, Shaughnessy transitioned into an Emmy Award-winning television director as well as directing live theater. But with the unexpected death of Lincoln Hudson, who was to originate the role of Brixton, Shaughnessy decided to act again.

"I have not been on stage for 35 years," he told BroadwayWorld.com. "I trained as an actor and performed with the Old Vic Theatre Company for years. When I moved to the United States, I moved behind the camera as a director. But I wanted to try acting again."

It was Jack Smith, one of the producers of CBS's "The Young and the Restless" who called Shaughnessy (also a producer of the show) to consider playing the lead.

Las Vegas is one of the boxing capitals and a big fight town, which is why the city was selected to debut the show. As for how Shaughnessy felt on opening night, he explained, "Terrified. I had to learn 90 minutes for the show, and since it is a one-man performance, it is all on me. But it is also exciting for me and a fascinating journey the character takes." Shaughnessey's family is very supportive of his performance and applauds his desire to continue acting along with directing and voice-over work.

"Ronnie Brixton - The Best of British Boxing" will perform in The Back Space in The Space LV May 2-13. Click here for tickets, times and dates.

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